Barcelona will only pursue Real Madrid target if rival deal collapses completely – report

Barcelona will only pursue Real Madrid target if rival deal collapses completely – report Barcelona have spent much of the summer transfer window focusing on attacking signings like Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi. The Catalan club are also fully focused on signing Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, although the La Liga club are not budging. In recent days, Barça have also explored the opportunity of signing a new midfielder in the aftermath of Frenkie de Jong’s injury. The Dutchman is expected to be out for four to five months after suffering an MCL tear, and the club could turn to Manchester City star Rodri as a possible reinforcement. Real Madrid looked favourites to sign the 30-year-old Spaniard for some time now, but Barça have leapfrogged them in the last 24 hours . Barcelona waiting on Madrid Now, according to ESPN’s Rodra and Moises Llorens , the Catalan giants will only make a serious attempt to sign the City midfielder if Real Madrid’s pursuit falls apart entirely. Barcelona like Rodri, but not a priority. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) The club are keeping a close eye on developments surrounding Rodri but have no intention of launching an immediate bid while Real Madrid remain in negotiations. Los Blancos are still expected to make one final attempt to complete the signing, despite growing pessimism over whether an agreement can ultimately be reached. If Madrid abandon the operation, that could be the cue for Barça to step in. Striker remains the priority Within the club, Barça continue to insist that signing a centre-forward remains the primary objective for the remainder of the window. Alvarez is still viewed as the dream target, with Deco continuing to work behind the scenes, including travelling to Madrid to hold meetings. Rodri, while admired, remains a secondary objective rather than the club’s focus. This is very reflective of Barça ’s current situation. Alvarez the top priority. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) The club are still recovering from years of financial trouble and need to carefully navigate their finances this summer. Barça need to ensure that focusing on Rodri does not eventually cost them a striker. Rodri would be a stylistic fit If everything goes according to plan and Barça manage to sign Rodri, he will be an excellent stylistic fit for Hansi Flick. A natural defensive midfielder, the 30-year-old would help protect the defence behind him and also help dictate play from deep. La Roja have often profited from having a midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo, and Barça can look to replicate it at club level. Everything points to Barça being heavily involved in the transfer saga involving Rodri, and it remains to be seen whether he wears Blaugrana next season.